The Best Thermal Shipping Label Printers for Amazon FBA Sellers

We often review software tools designed to help Amazon sellers streamline their businesses. However, today, we’re taking a different approach. Many sellers are on the lookout for the best thermal label printer for Amazon FBA, and that’s exactly what we’ll cover in this guide.

While I haven’t personally tested every single one of these printers, I’ve spoken to enough experts in the industry to provide you with reliable insights. This article will help you choose the right thermal label printer for your Amazon FBA business.

What is a Thermal Label Printer?

A thermal label printer is a specialized device designed for printing labels and small stickers. It utilizes thermal printing technology, which applies heat to thermal paper or labels to produce clear images or text.

While you could use a laser printer, it’s far from ideal—laser printers are slower and less efficient for this purpose. Since thermal printers are quite affordable, there’s little reason to rely on a traditional printer unless you’re on an extremely tight budget. If you’re serious about your Amazon FBA business, investing in a thermal label printer is a smart move.

Why Are Thermal Label Printers Essential?

Thermal label printers serve a unique purpose, making them an invaluable tool for Amazon FBA sellers. Here’s why they’re worth having:

Compact Design – Most thermal label printers are small and fit comfortably on a desk, even in limited spaces.
Minimal Consumables – Unlike traditional printers that require ink or toner, thermal printers only need labels, saving you money on supplies.
High-Speed Printing – These printers are built for efficiency, with many models capable of printing at least 50 labels per minute—and some exceeding 200 labels per minute.
Durable Labels – Amazon FBA shipments go through a rigorous process, from handling by warehouse workers to exposure to the elements. Thermal-printed labels hold up well, ensuring they remain readable throughout transit.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Thermal Label Printer

With so many options available, it’s important to know what features matter most when selecting a thermal label printer.

Printing Speed

A fast printer helps you process shipments more efficiently. Most top-tier thermal printers can handle at least 100 labels per minute, which is incredibly fast.

Print Quality

Print quality is crucial, but most thermal printers produce satisfactory results. The primary concern is barcode readability—if the print is too faint or blurry, scanners may struggle to read the label. Avoid low-quality printers, as unreliable barcodes can slow down your shipping process.

Ease of Setup

No one wants to spend hours configuring a printer. Look for models that offer quick and easy setup, especially if they are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Label Size Compatibility

Not all thermal printers support large labels. Before making a purchase, check the printer’s specifications to ensure it accommodates the label sizes required for Amazon FBA shipments.

Price

While budget is always a factor, it’s important to think long-term. A high-quality printer is an investment that will serve your business well for years. Keep in mind that thermal printer prices have risen recently, but the added efficiency and convenience justify the cost.

7 Best Thermal Label Printers for Amazon FBA

1. Dymo LabelWriter 450 Turbo

The Dymo LabelWriter 450 Turbo is one of the most well-known thermal printers among Amazon sellers. However, its main drawback is that it doesn’t support 4×6 labels, which may limit its usefulness.

Max Label Width: 2 5/16″
Speed: 71 labels per minute
Resolution: 300 dpi
Price: $190.00

2. Dymo LabelWriter 4XL

As an upgraded version of the 450 Turbo, the Dymo LabelWriter 4XL allows for larger 4″ labels, making it a solid choice for Amazon FBA sellers.

Max Label Width: 4.16″
Speed: 129 labels per minute
Resolution: 300 dpi
Price: $250.00

3. Rollo X1038 Thermal Label Printer

This is the fastest printer on the list, capable of printing over 200 labels per minute. While the print resolution is slightly lower than some other models, the speed can be a game-changer for high-volume sellers. However, it requires a separate label roll holder, which isn’t built into the machine.

Max Label Width: 4.16″
Speed: 225 labels per minute
Resolution: 203 dpi
Price: $199.99

4. Rollo X1040 Wireless Thermal Label Printer

The Rollo X1040 is a wireless version of the X1038, allowing you to print labels directly from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Like other Rollo printers, you’ll need to purchase a separate label holder.

Max Label Width: 4.16″
Speed: 225 labels per minute
Resolution: 203 dpi
Price: $277.99

5. Brother QL-820NWB Wireless Thermal Label Printer

This wireless and Bluetooth-enabled printer is convenient but has a label width limitation of 2.4 inches. It still prints over 100 labels per minute with excellent print quality.

Max Label Width: 2.4″
Speed: 110 labels per minute
Resolution: 300 dpi
Price: $209.00

6. Brother QL-1110NWB Thermal Label Printer

The Brother QL-1110NWB delivers crisp 300 dpi resolution and supports 4″ labels, making it a reliable option for Amazon sellers. While it’s not the fastest at 69 labels per minute, it gets the job done efficiently.

Max Label Width: 4.0″
Speed: 69 labels per minute
Resolution: 300 dpi
Price: $281.49

7. Arkscan 2054A Thermal Printer

The Arkscan 2054A may not be the highest-quality printer, but it’s a workhorse that gets the job done. It prints 4″ labels at a speed of 129 per minute, making it a budget-friendly option for FBA sellers.

Max Label Width: 4″
Speed: 129 labels per minute
Resolution: 203 dpi
Price: $189.00

How to Get a Free Thermal Label Printer for Amazon FBA

Many sellers already know that UPS provides free shipping labels, but did you know you might be able to get a free thermal printer from them as well?

UPS typically rents out the Zebra LP2844 thermal printer for just a few dollars per week. However, if you negotiate with an account manager, you might be able to get the rental fee waived entirely.

Steps to Get a Free Zebra Thermal Printer from UPS

Create a UPS account at UPS.com.
Call 1-800-742-5877 and say “Order Supplies” when prompted.
Press 0 or say “Agent” to speak with a representative.
Ask to be transferred to an account manager.
Explain that you’re setting up your business and inquire about renting a thermal printer.
Normally, the rental fee is $2 per week, but if you’re persuasive, they may waive it.

Final Thoughts on Thermal Label Printers for Amazon FBA

I never imagined there’d be so much to say about thermal label printers, but here we are!

For Amazon FBA sellers, a thermal printer is one of the most valuable pieces of equipment you can own. When it comes time to ship your products, having a fast, reliable printer makes everything much smoother. Hopefully, this guide helps you pick the best thermal printer for your business!